Weary and Worried

Dear Flagstaff Police Officer Tyler Stewart,

To say thank you for your service seems to be such an insignificant platitude at this time.  Today, in the line of duty, you lost your life.  You responded to a normal call for a patrol officer, a call involving domestic violence.  In response to this call, you were shot in the face by a coward.  A coward that after shooting you, took his own life.  At 24 years old, you are almost the same age as my son.  My heart hurts to think of the crippling loss your mother is feeling tonight.  I wish I could hug her and tell her how much I admire your bravery and how very sad I am for her loss.  I know my words could do nothing to ease her pain but I still wish I could share with her the overwhelming respect and admiration I hold for your family.  For the past fifteen years I've become acutely aware of the demands of your job.  I've watched as my husband and his coworkers have responded to hundreds of calls just like the one you went to today.  They, like you, didn't hesitate to heed the call of duty required by their job.  They leave their own homes and family to protect strangers.  I've personally witnessed bravery and commitment beyond measure.  I've seen tears shed over situations that are too heartbreaking to describe.  I've seen generosity as officers donated money to those that were in need, a kidney to a child with a life threatening illness, and personal time to help people in our community.
In the United States today, police officers are vilified by many.  We see so called "community activists" call for your life on the news.  These people hide behind the very freedom of speech that you and our armed forces protect.  I am just one person in a sea of loud voices crying out for various forms of justice.  This voice, my voice, is crying out for respect and gratitude for the job that cost you your life.  Through your sacrifice comes another example of what officers across this country are willing to do every day.  May you and your family know that although it is a small token at a time of such loss, we thank you.  We thank you for your bravery.  We thank you for your service.  We thank you for standing watch over us.  May God bless your family and may you rest in peace.

With the utmost respect,
Stacey